Hejaz Railway

Hejaz Railway
The Hejaz Railway was built by Sultan Abdul Hamid II of the Ottoman Empire, running from Damascus to Medina. It began operation in 1908, but only lasted until 1917, brought down by the collapse of the Ottoman Empire who sided with the Germans in World War I.

The station has been restored, and houses some of the remains of engines and trucks used in the short period the railway was running. A rebuilt Turkish fort stands very close to the station.

Directions (from Jeddah)

• Follow directions to Madain Saleh; the remains of the track and the odd engine can be seen on the way, with the main station is on the edge of Madain Saleh.

Tips

• See tips for Madain Saleh

• It is a very long drive, but can be done by leaving lunchtime on Thursday and returning to Jeddah for Friday night.

• Permission from the Ministry of Antiquities in Riyadh is required to get into Madain Saleh, but you can drive along the railway line instead.

• If camping on the Thursday night, remember you're in the desert and so it will be VERY cold.

• If driving along the track, a four wheel drive will be required.